Canon EOS 40D SLR Review

By
Movable Type Admin

Review posted 10/25/2007

Click to take a QTVR tour of the Canon EOS 40D

The EOS 40D digital SLR, occupying the middle-range of the EOS line of cameras, is the update to the
popular EOS 30D from 2006. Incorporating the best features of
Canon's prosumer models, the EOS 40D redefines the state of the art for mid-range dSLR's, making it the
first choice for amateur photographers. A newly enhanced 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, advanced DIGIC III
image processor, completely redesigned autofocus sensor, 3" LCD and fast, 6.5 fps continuous shooting
capability are but a few of the features that make this camera stand out in the crowd of enthusiast-level
dSLR's.

Your eye will be drawn to and delighted by the large 3" LCD screen. To increase legibility in bright
sunlight, Canon has raised the brightness level of the EOS 40D's 230,000-pixel LCD screen, broadened the
color gamut and narrowed the viewing angle from 170 degrees to a still wide 140-degree perspective in all
directions. An added advantage of the larger-sized display is the ability to use a larger font size for
text, making it easier to read setting and menu options on the screen. The camera's menu is organized in
the same tabbed format as the EOS-1D Mark III.

Canon designers made the magnesium alloy exterior even more rugged & dependable than the 30D and have improved the dust
and water resistant construction, particularly around the IO ports, battery compartment and single-slot compact flash memory card door.
The EOS 40D has retained the best features of the EOS 30D model, including the fast start-up,
its durable shutter rated up to 100,000 cycles, its top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec and 1/250 maximum X-sync flash shutter
speed setting

The EOS 40D inherits some advanced features from Canon's professional cameras and puts them to good use.
It has a newly designed, high-precision 9-point wide area AF that uses cross-type points,
enabling the camera to focus faster, more accurately, and in more complex lighting situations. Each of the nine AF points has
this cross-type coverage, a first in Canon AF SLRs. Adding to this AF performance, the 40D incorporates a diagonally
mounted, high-precision cross-type sensor at the center AF point that is sensitive to both vertical and horizontal lines
when fast lenses (f/2.8 or faster) are used, for added accuracy and precision with these wide-aperture lenses.
Focus points can be selected automatically, or accessed using the Multi-Controller.

DIGIC III is the latest generation of Canon's proprietary image processing engine. DIGIC III technology ensures that
the fine details and natural colors of the images are optimally recorded and, as an added bonus, is also responsible for
the EOS 40D SLR's high-speed performance, faster signal processing and even its efficient energy consumption.

The camera leverages sophisticated technology to make dust problems a thing of the past. First the Self-
Cleaning Sensor Unit uses ultrasonic vibrations to shake dust particles off of the low-pass filter in
front of the sensor each time the camera is powered up or shut down. Secondly the supplied Digital Photo
Professional software maps the location of any spots that may remain on the sensor and the "Dust Delete
Data" information is attached to the image file. Later, using your computer, the dust information is
subtracted from the final image during post processing.

Using the same 35-zone metering sensor as the successful 30D, you can choose from available patterns such as
Evaluative metering, which is linked to all AF points and is set automatically in the Basic Zone modes, Center weighted average
metering, Partial metering and Spot metering, covering approximately 9 percent or 3.8 percent of the viewfinder. The camera's
E-TTL II auto flash and 12 exposure control modes (11 AE modes plus manual) are also unchanged from the EOS 30D SLR
model. Additionally, Canon has included three Custom exposure modes. As an added convenience, particularly for wireless
flash operations, users can adjust the flash settings of the Canon Speedlite 580EX II directly from the camera.

The Canon EOS 40D camera offers ISO speeds from ISO 100 to ISO 1600 in 1/3-stop increments. Users can also opt for a
high-speed setting of ISO 3200. For the first time in any EOS camera, the 40D model offers Auto ISO capability in Creative
Zone exposure modes. This valuable new feature adjusts the ISO speed to the optimal setting based on low light or shaky
shooting conditions. Additionally, the EOS 40D provides full-time display of the active ISO speed setting, both in the viewfinder
and the LCD data panel.

Previously available only on the 1D Mark III, the Live View function now gives EOS 40D users the
ability to set up shots using the LCD screen instead of the viewfinder and a 100% preview. A new Custom
Function allows autofocus during Live View by pressing the camera's AF-ON button. Releasing the AF-ON
button resumes Live View functions. Also, in the Live View shooting mode, you can magnify the image by 5
or 10x in order to ensure optimal focus. Live View helps reduce vibration by lifting the mirror out of the
optical path in advance of the exposure, improving image quality at slow shutter speeds. A new electronic
1st-curtain shutter function in Live View mode reduces release time lag and operational noise even further
and the release time lag is miniscule.

EOS 40D Major Features

APS-C size 10.1 megapixel CMOS Sensor with noise reduction technology

Live View function

3-inch LCD monitor

New 14-bit A/D conversion for fine tone gradation and reduction of digital and shadow noise

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.